'Ardhanari' - a film on eunuch for eunuch

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 25: Malayalam playback singer M.G. Sreekumar's debut production venture "Ardhanari", an unconventional film dedicated to eunuch community, has opened to a positive response.

"If not for Sreekumar, this film wouldn't have become a reality as he gave me complete freedom. Each time when I would ask him about the money, he would say not to worry at all. It has been released Friday in 39 theatres and the first reports are very encouraging and Sreekumar is the most happiest," said director Santhosh Sawpernika told reporters here.

"There are many 'hijadas' (eunuchs) in our state but sadly they are not being accepted, hence this film on 'hijadas' is for the 'hijadas'. We would be really happy if a small step is made to accept 'hijadas' who remain to themselves," added Sawpernika who has a Ph.D. in world film studies. This is his third film.

Sawpernika scripted the film, which stars Manoj K. Jayan, Raju, Sukumari, Class 12 student Mahalekshmi, and late Thilakan in important roles in the film.

Mahalekshmi, who plays an eunuch in the film, says that she didn't know she was in the film "till I saw a film news".

"I met Sreekumar in a TV show and he asked me if I will act in his film and I readily agreed. And next I saw my name in the film's cast," said Mahalekshmi, who is studying in a premier school in the state capital.

"Honestly, I was wonderstruck when I was told that I have to play a male 'hijada'. And my friends were so surprised to see me in such a role and I really enjoyed it," added the youngster. This is her second film.